Magnetic sphere in electrolyte

In summary, when a metal sphere is placed in an electrolyte solution and a current is passed through the solution, the sphere will become electrically charged due to the rearrangement of electrons and ions in the metal. The applied voltage will create an electric field across the sphere, attracting ions in the solution to shield its effect. This can be treated as a simple problem of electrostatics. If the sphere is set in motion, it will bend in the direction of the applied electric charge.
  • #1
sitisuhanis
1
0
If you have a metal sphere of the order of a say, few micrometers in diameter, and you put it in an electrolyte solution - what would you expect to happen when a current is passed through that solution? I am referring here to charges on the surface of the sphere.
Cheers!
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well the sphere would get electrically charged?
 
  • #3
The sphere will be possibly in the circuit but charges will go once the current will stop.
 
  • #4
You want this sphere to continue being charged once the current has stopped flowing?
 
  • #5
The applied voltage would create an electric field across the microsphere. Since it's a good conductor, electrons/holes in the metal would re-arrange to try to cancel the electric field. Ions in solution would be attracted to these charges, sheilding their effect.
Code:
electrode                                                      electrode
+    ------> current, +ion motion                              -
+   <------  -ion motion                                      -
+                                                             -
+              +             -                                 -
+            +     -     +                                   -
+                -   ball  +     - free ions               -
+          +     -         +                                 -
+                  -      +       -                         -
+            +                 -                              -
(note the distinction between the current ions, and the "stationary" ions shielding the sphere)
These are relatively small effects; consider that you have only 2-3V across several cm of electrolyte (small electric field). Ignoring the ion current (which has no not charge), this can be treated as a simple problem of electrostatics: a metal sphere surrounded by a dielectric, in an applied E field - you can solve this with an expansion in spherical harmonics.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #6
And if you set that ball in motion in a strait line, which way would it bend? Or would the elctric charge not affect it?
 

What is a magnetic sphere in electrolyte?

A magnetic sphere in electrolyte is a small particle made of a magnetic material, such as iron, suspended in a liquid electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution contains ions that allow for the conduction of electricity.

How does a magnetic sphere in electrolyte work?

The magnetic sphere in electrolyte works by using the electrical current in the electrolyte solution to create a magnetic field around the particle. This magnetic field allows the particle to be manipulated and controlled by external magnetic fields.

What are the applications of magnetic spheres in electrolyte?

Magnetic spheres in electrolyte have various applications in fields such as biomedicine, sensing, and energy harvesting. They can be used for targeted drug delivery, biosensors, and as energy storage devices in batteries.

What are the advantages of using magnetic spheres in electrolyte?

Using magnetic spheres in electrolyte allows for precise control and manipulation of the particles, as well as the ability to create targeted and localized effects. They also have high stability and can be easily dispersed in different solutions.

Are there any limitations to using magnetic spheres in electrolyte?

Some limitations of using magnetic spheres in electrolyte include the potential toxicity of the electrolyte solution and the need for external magnetic fields to manipulate the particles. Additionally, the particles may agglomerate in certain environments, limiting their effectiveness.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Chemistry
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
327
Replies
1
Views
839
  • Classical Physics
Replies
10
Views
702
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
607
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
210
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
24
Views
470
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top